DECLAN Patton’s performance in yesterday’s 52-24 victory over Catalans Dragons was his best of the season “by a long shot,” Wolves boss Tony Smith says.

The 22-year-old scooped a 20-point personal haul at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, encompassing a try and eight conversions.

Patton also claimed three assists in an inspirational display and Smith was quick to heap praise on the homegrown youngster.

“That’s Declan’s best game this year by a long shot,” he said.

“He did really, really well and I thought he was class, particularly in that first half.

“He executed really well, he’s still a young developing player and he’s still got plenty to learn. Hopefully he can build on that.

“I think he got some confidence from the try he scored against Widnes by running the ball from close to the line and beating three or four players to score.

“The half-backs were very good in their vision and communication with each other.

“When they are doing that well, that’s when things start to come off and we saw a lot of that today.”

Smith also praised the contribution of Ben Westwood, who was making his 400th Warrington appearance.

“I’ve got to mention Super Bennie Westwood, not just because it’s his 400th game which is a massive achievement by any person in this day and age in a sport like ours, but he was instrumental in that first half,” he said.

“He showed his real class, he’s got good rugby league awareness as well as being tough and uncompromising.”

Stefan Ratchford, Ryan Atkins and Tom Lineham scored two tries each as The Wire racked up their biggest points total of the season, with Patton, Matty Russell and Peta Hiku also crossing the whitewash.

Wolves scored 30 of their 52 points before half time before the Dragons made more of a game of it in the second half.

“We showed some of our best attack but, overall, it wasn’t our best performance by a long shot,” Smith said.

“The second half was pretty scrappy really on both sides. The first half was pretty flowing and our attack before half time was as good as we’ve put on this year.

“This was potentially a tough game as Catalans are a big set of forwards and backs.

“We got away to a really good start and I think that’s important.

“Their record on the road isn’t great so it was important not to let them get a start in the game and make it into a dogfight.

“It was more of a dogfight in the second half, but we did the damage in the first half.

“Overall, I’m pleased to get that sort of scoreline and a fairly convincing win against a Super League team.”